Culprite is an oxide mineral composed of copper oxide Cu2O, and is a minor ore of copper. It is a secondary mineral which forms in the oxidized zone of copper sulfide deposits. It frequently occurs in association with native copper, azurite, chrysocolla, malachite and a variety of iron oxideminerals. Culprite was first described in 1845 and the name derives from the Latin cuprum for its copper content. Culprite is found in the Ural Mountains, Altai Mountains, Sardinia, France, Arizona, Chile, Bolivia, and Namibia.

Dakota Stones version was discovered in Northern China in a copper rich region and has visible flecks of copper as veins of green oxidized copper. This is not the traditional look of red and green Culprite from the Arizona material. It is Earthy tones of browns and greens with teal veins and copper flecks.